The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-08-25
OUR RURAL TOPICS.
Some Practical Suggestions for Our
Agricultural Readers
EXHAUSTIVE CROPS.


crops require certain quantity of organic and
inorganic elements for their development and
all crops require the same elements, only in
different combinations. If crops-any crops
are grown in the soil without the application OF
any Of the elements Of their growth, the drain
must be wholly from the soil or atmosphere,
and if wholly removed have exhausted the soil
TO the extent of the amount required in their
growth; but to mention any particular crop as
being an exhaustive crop is indefinite in its
meaning. In nature there is nothing that is
lost or of which it is exhausted; the elements
may assume different combinations, but they
exist just the same, though changed in form.
The operations or the farm are all calculated TO
change the form of the mineral elements by the
aid OF aerial elements into such forms as to be
available in the development of animal life,
and he who can do this in the best manner, and
In way 10 leave his farm still best adapted to
continue the operation, is looked upon as the
best farmer.-GermdAt0lDn Telegraph.
COOPERATIVE DAIRYING.
In an exchange upon our table in a special
plea for cooperative farming the city of Elgin
Ill, is mentioned as being the most prosperous
region of all the State, and that its wealth was
all accumulated from the product of the cow
where, by associating dairying, from almost
poverty in 10 years the farmers had become
rich. We do not propose to discuss the causes
OF the growth or prosperity of Elgin or any
portions of the Empire State. Dairying may
have made them all that they are; may have
been the direct means of their financial pros
perity, but because OF that admitting it to be
sol would it be advisable for the entire country.
or even a considerable portion of il, to enter
into cooperative dairyingP Just so long as
farming exists 10 must be of mixed character
III one portion is better adapted to grain growing
than others, there il will be produced; if an
other section is adapted to stock raising that
industry will flourish there, and so for different
sections; but there is no one branch of farm
industry that can be recommended to be fol-
lowed as the sure road TO wealth, or disappoint-
ment VIII surely come.-E1ehalge.
REX BEGoNIAs.
To cur taste there is no class of foliage plant
so desirable for the window garden as rex be-
gonia- They endure the changeable tempera-
ture OF our rooms so well, and are so stately
and ornamental in appearance, that a window
without one or two specimens of this class OF
plants lacks one of its best attractions; for the
large. glossy leaves make splendid contrast
with the foliage Of other plants and set oil the
whole collection. The variety decasiana is. in
our estimation, not only the best and most
beautiful of the rex-leaved begonias. but the
most hardy, and are easily grown. Tho leaves
grow TO an immense size, and are marked with
bright metallic green on sivery back ground,
with center and margin colored distinct aud
lovely shade of purple. Unlike most of the rex
varieties this one has its variegation along the
veins and although at first sight, when the
leaves are small, il does not strike one as being
very handsome. when the leaves become full
grown IL is gorgeous and beautiful, and casts
all other varieties in the shade.
This variety should be grown in a moist
shady location, and it likes plenty of moisture
at the roots. and large pots from which the
moisture will not evaporste so readily. Keep
the leaves as free from dust rs possible, wash
them occasionally by showering with a water
pot or garden pump. and do not let the sun
shine on them while wet; indeed, the plants
do better If grown in a place where the sun
viii never reach them, bat where they receive
good northern light Large pots shade and
moisture is the secret Of growing fine speci-
mems Of rex begonias; and the large specimen
leaves which the decasiana variety will develop
under these circumstances will not only please,
but astonish. the amateur florist. There is
nothing in the kingdom OF nature that will
equal the rex begonia, Jules Cretien. Indeed
do one has ever seen this begonia without de-
string 70 possess it, The color is very difficult
TO describe, being changeable strawberry aud
crimson, OVERLAPPING bEOnze-green ground, the
"hpAS 'NaA NhAhFih6 al NbibA ~ tuc ilPuL
strikes il from different points, presenting a
most beautiful Recommendations Farmer.
CARE OF HAY.
An important consideration in the handling
Of hay is to secure il without being wet by
showers If possible. There is no question but
that there Is more or less deterioration to hay
that is cut and is wet by rain, because of the
washing cut of essential germs, but what the
degree of 1t is 1t is difficult to determine. One
thing is certain, the wetting of hay should be
avoided as much as posi- bic. for the reason that
il is liable TO be made musty Us well as deteri-
GRATED in quality otherwise.
NOTES.
Take advantage Of low water to clean out
wells once year. Do not delay, lest rainy
weather set in aud raise the water.
A new pear-shaped tomato, Italian Won
der" has dwarf vines which are very prolific Of
large, hne-col0red fruit, with thick flesh aud
few seeds. Worth trying
- Turkeys, as well as chickens, should not be
allowed to roost on narrow rOosts while grow
ing. as it causes crooked breasts, especially in
the large variety of fowls.
- In regard to the use of plaster in asSOcia-
tiOn with manure, we think the best way is TO
sprinkle little behind the cattle every day
say two or three ounces per head.
- Mixed farming is most useful In keeping
mp the soil TO degree Of fertility. The speci-
altles engaged In should be In keeping with
the soil and conditions Of the firm.
1t Is poor economy to use old and dirty
sections of comb honey. 10 will pay better 10
commit all such TO the flames and buy new and
clean sections for new and delicious honey.
III the pigs have not already the run Of the
orchard, turn them in, for the benefit of both
The windfalls will furnish welcome growing
food TO the young animals and the orchard will
be helped by the destruction of insects as well
as by the manuring it will get.
Strawberry season is over. Now, then, don't
neglect the plants that have brought YOU both
money and pleasure. Loosen the soil between
the rows and apply a small quantity Of coarse
mulch. This will enable the plants 20 enjoy
in comfort a season of deserved rest.
If possible, it is best to let at least i've or
six weeks intervene between harvest and
thrashing. The grain comes out of the straw
more easily and is in drier condition. If thrash.
ing must be done inside of she time mentioned.
care must be taken that the grain does no.
alterward heat in the, bin.
Many farmers who have an abundance OF
straw are too careless about stacking il. The
stack should be well built, even if one intend,
TO rot the straw. Dry straw is comparatively
light and easy TO handle, and il can be thrown !
from the stack and scattered over the yard
from time 10 lime without much trouble.
-OxiorddOwn sheep attain to very heavy
weights, the ram at three years OF age reaching
as high as 400 pounds and ewes 300 They
are the largest OF the mutton breeds. and Weld
a fleece of medium wool weighing 20 pounds.
These weights are for special individuals that